Olefin waxes having improved hardness or viscosity

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, we disclose hardened olefin waxes and processes for preparing them. In another embodiment, we disclose oxidized olefin waxes having low viscosity and processes for preparing them. The waxes are suitable for use as polishes, coatings, or inks, among other uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the fields of alpha olefinwaxes. More particularly, it concerns alpha olefin wax compositionhaving high hardness, or oxidized alpha olefin wax compositions havinglow viscosity.

Hydrocarbon waxes, such as alpha olefin waxes, paraffin waxes,microcrystalline waxes, polyethylene waxes, and Fisher-Tropsch waxes,are characterized by a set of basic physical property parameters, whichare used to predict or correlate performance in specific applications.The most commonly cited wax physical properties are hardness, dropmelting point, and viscosity. For most wax products, these fundamentalproperties are governed by the molecular weight. As relatively lowmolecular weight waxes, alpha olefin (AO) waxes are relatively soft, buthave desirable high melt flow stemming from their low molecular weight.On the other hand, extremely hard waxes, such as polyethylene waxes,have desirable high physical strength, but their viscosity is usuallyundesirably very high due to their extremely high molecular weights.

For many wax applications, the physical strength, or the hardness ofwaxes, is one of the most important performance criterions inapplications such as polishing (floor, furniture and automobile),coating (textile, fruit, paper), candle formulation, investment casting,and a range of industrial composite structures. It would be desirable toimprove the physical strength of alpha olefin waxes for improvedperformance in current applications or use in applications for whichthey have not yet been suitable. Further, it would be desirable if animprovement in physical strength could be achieved with minimal impacton the low melt viscosity of the alpha olefin waxes. A low meltviscosity is a highly desirable process characteristic for anyhydrocarbon wax to ensure adequate flow during the processing stage inmany applications. A combination of high physical strength and lowviscosity has been difficult to achieve in one wax product as physicalstrength and viscosity both generally have a positive correlation withmolecular weight.

It is well known that a range of hydrocarbon waxes can be oxidized intofunctional waxes by reacting oxygen or oxygen-containing gas with waxesat elevated temperatures. The oxidation changes the chemicalcompositions via a free-radical mechanism, which converts hydrocarbonmolecules of waxes into esters, acids, and other minor components. Theresulting oxidized waxes can be suitable for a range of specificapplications where either high polarity or functionality is required.Many applications require a substantial oxidation of the non-polarhydrocarbon waxes. As a result, many processes have been developed formaximizing the oxidation efficiency for a high level of oxidation. Theseprocesses include use of an autoclave reactor in a batch process, or areaction column or tubular reactor in a continuous process. The typicalsaponification numbers of oxidized waxes can be similar to those ofnatural waxes. For example, the typical saponification numbers ofoxidized waxes are in the range of 50-150 mg KOH/g, and typical acidnumbers are in the range of 30-50 mg KOH/g.

For some specialty applications, oxidized waxes are desirable, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,901,789; 3,994,737; 4,004,932; 4,180,408;4,240,795; 4,426,229; 6,169,148 and 6,348,547. However, oxidation ofhydrocarbon waxes generally leads to compromised physical properties,such as higher viscosity, as well as discoloration from white toundesirably off-white color.

For a number of applications where an oxidized wax can be useful, itwould be desirable to have an oxidized hydrocarbon wax with bothadequate hardness and relatively low viscosity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process to producea hardened olefin wax, comprising contacting a feedstock olefin waxcomprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with anoxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than the feedstock olefinwax melting point, to produce a hardened olefin wax composition, whereinthe hardened olefin wax composition has a needle penetration value at25° C. at least 5 percent less than the needle penetration value at 25°C. of the feedstock olefin wax.

The present invention also relates to the hardened olefin wax producedby the process.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process to oxidizean olefin wax, comprising (a) contacting a feedstock olefin waxcomprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with anoxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than that of thefeedstock olefin wax melting point, to prepare an oxidized olefin waxwherein the oxidized olefin wax has an acid number greater than 1 mgKOH/g oxidized olefin wax and a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. less than70 cSt.

The present invention also relates to the oxidized olefin wax producedby the process.

The hardened olefin waxes generally have hardness at least as good as orbetter than the feedstock olefin wax. The oxidized olefin waxesgenerally have relatively low viscosity.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to alpha olefin waxcomposition, comprising an alpha olefin wax comprising having at least20 carbon atoms and at least one additive selected from the groupconsisting of an amide, imide, or mixture thereof, wherein thecomposition has a lower needle penetration value at 25° C. than theolefin wax.

The hardened olefin waxes and the oxidized olefin waxes of the presentinvention can be used in a variety of applications, including, but notlimited to, polishes (such as floor waxes, furniture waxes, orautomobile waxes, among others), coatings (such as textile lubricants orcontrolled release agents, among others), or inks, among others.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates to olefin wax compositions and the methods ofmaking the olefin wax compositions. In some embodiments the olefin waxcompositions comprise an additive. In other embodiments the olefin waxcompositions have a hardness greater than the starting olefin wax. Inyet other embodiments the invention relates to oxidized olefin waxcompositions and methods of preparing the oxidized olefin waxcompositions.

Additive-Hardened Wax Compositions

In one embodiment, the invention is a wax composition comprising anolefin wax and at least one additive. The olefin wax may be any olefinwax as described herein. Generally, the additive comprises a moietyselected from the group consisting of an amide, imide, or mixturethereof. In some embodiments, the additive comprises an imide moiety. Inyet other embodiments, the additive comprises an ethylene-bis-amide,ethylene-bis-imide, or mixtures thereof. Independently, in oneembodiment, the additive is a stearamide. In one further embodiment, theadditive is ethylene-bis-stearamide.

The additive-hardened wax composition can comprise any amount of theadditive. In one embodiment, the additive-hardened wax compositioncomprises less than about 10 weight percent of the additive. In afurther embodiment, the additive-hardened wax composition comprises lessthan about 6 weight percent of the additive. In still a furtherembodiment, the additive-hardened wax composition comprises less thanabout 4 weight percent of the additive. In yet a further embodiment, theadditive-hardened wax composition comprises less than about 3 weightpercent of the additive. In an even further embodiment, theadditive-hardened wax composition comprises less than about 2 weightpercent of the additive. In even still a further embodiment, theadditive-hardened wax composition comprises less than about 1 weightpercent of the additive.

Generally, the additive may function to increase the hardness of theadditive-hardened wax composition relative to the olefin wax. One methodthat can be used to determine hardness is a needle penetration. Needlepenetration can be measured using ASTM D1321 and can be measured at anyacceptable temperature. Unless stated otherwise, the needle penetrationsdiscussed and presented throughout this specification will refer to theneedle penetration as measured by ASTM D1321 at 25° C.

In an embodiment, the additive-hardened wax composition can have a lowerneedle penetration value at 25° C. than a reference compositionconsisting of the olefin wax. In some embodiments, the additive mayfunction to reduce the needle penetration of the additive-hardened waxcomposition relative to the olefin wax. In one embodiment, the needlepenetration of the additive-hardened wax composition is at least 5percent less than the needle penetration of the olefin wax. In anotherembodiment, the needle penetration of the additive-hardened waxcomposition is at least 10 percent less than the needle penetrationvalue of the olefin wax. In a further embodiment, the needle penetrationof the additive-hardened wax composition is at least 20 percent lessthan the needle penetration value of the olefin wax. In still a furtherembodiment, the needle penetration of the additive-hardened waxcomposition is at least 30 percent less than the needle penetrationvalue of the olefin wax. In yet a further embodiment, the needlepenetration of the additive-hardened wax composition is at least 40percent less than the needle penetration of the olefin wax. In still afurther embodiment, the needle penetration of the additive-hardened waxcomposition is at least 50 percent less than the needle penetrationvalue of the olefin wax. In general and as the skilled artisan will beaware, the absolute value of the needle penetration of the olefin wax,and the absolute reduction of the needle penetration as a result of theadditive will depend on the specific composition of the olefincomposition.

The additive-hardened wax composition may have a higher drop melt pointthan the olefin wax. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all drop meltpoints referred to herein are measured according to ASTM D 127. In oneembodiment, the drop melt point of the additive-hardened wax compositionis at least 25 percent greater than the drop melt point of the olefinwax. In a further embodiment, the drop melt point of theadditive-hardened wax composition is at least 50 percent greater thanthe drop melt point of the olefin wax. In still a further embodiment,the drop melt point of the additive-hardened wax composition is at least75 percent greater than the drop melt point of the olefin wax. In yet afurther embodiment, the drop melt point of the additive-hardened waxcomposition is at least 100 percent greater than the drop melt point ofthe olefin wax.

Hardened Olefin Wax Compositions

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a hardenedolefin wax composition, produced by a process comprising contacting afeedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperaturegreater than the feedstock olefin wax melting point. In anotherembodiment, the present invention relates to a hardened olefin waxcomposition, produced by a process comprising contacting a feedstockolefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater thanthe feedstock olefin wax melting point wherein the hardened olefin waxcomposition has a needle penetration value at 25° C. at least 5 percentless than the needle penetration value at 25° C. of the feedstock olefinwax. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a hardenedolefin wax composition, produced by a process comprising contacting afeedstock olefin wax comprising an olefin having at least 20 carbonatoms with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than thefeedstock olefin wax melting point wherein the hardened olefin waxcomposition has a needle penetration value at 25° C. at least 5 percentless than the needle penetration value at 25° C. of the feedstock olefinwax. Additional process steps and olefin wax product properties that maybe used to further describe the hardened olefin wax composition aredescribed herein. The feedstock olefin waxes which can be used in theprocess steps are further described herein.

The hardened olefin wax composition may also be described usingadditional qualitative and quantitative tests. For example, the hardenedolefin wax composition may be defined by one or more of absolute needlepenetration value, relative needle penetration value, acid number,saponification number, kinematic viscosity, or color, among others. Acidnumber values, when referred to herein, are measured according to ASTM D974, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. All saponificationnumbers described herein are measured by ASTM D94, unless explicitlystated to the contrary. All kinematic viscosities are the 100° C.kinematic viscosities as measured by ASTM D445, unless explicitly statedto the contrary. All ASTM standards referred to herein are the mostcurrent versions as of the filing date of the present application.

Generally, the hardened olefin wax composition has a needle penetrationvalue at 25° C. at least 5 percent less than the needle penetrationvalue at 25° C. of the feedstock olefin wax. In one embodiment, thehardened olefin wax composition has a needle penetration at least 10percent less than the needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. Ina further embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration at least 20 percent less than the needle penetration of thefeedstock olefin wax. In still a further embodiment, the hardened olefinwax composition has a needle penetration at least 30 percent less thanthe needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. In yet a furtherembodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has a needle penetrationat least 40 percent less than the needle penetration of the feedstockolefin wax. In still a further embodiment, the hardened olefin waxcomposition has a needle penetration at least 50 percent less than theneedle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax.

Quantitatively, the hardened olefin wax composition can have an acidnumber of less than about 12 mg KOH/g wax. In one embodiment, thehardened olefin wax composition can have an acid number less than about10 mg KOH/g wax. In a further embodiment, the hardened olefin waxcomposition can have an acid number less than about 5 mg KOH/g wax. Instill a further embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition can havean acid number less than about 2 mg KOH/g wax. In yet a furtherembodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition can have an acid numberless than about 1 mg KOH/g wax.

Also quantitatively, the hardened olefin wax composition can have asaponification number of less than about 45 mg KOH/g wax. In one furtherembodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has a saponificationnumber is less than about 25 mg KOH/g wax. In still a furtherembodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has a saponificationnumber is less than about 15 mg KOH/g wax. In yet a further embodiment,the hardened olefin wax composition has a saponification number is lessthan about 10 mg KOH/g wax. In even a further embodiment, the hardenedolefin wax composition has a saponification number is less than about 5mg KOH/g wax. In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax compositionhas a saponification number less than about 2.5 mg KOH/g wax.

Also quantitatively, the hardened olefin wax composition can have akinematic viscosity up to about 500% greater than the kinematicviscosity of the feedstock olefin wax. In one further embodiment, thehardened olefin wax composition has a kinematic viscosity up to about300% greater than the kinematic viscosity of the feedstock olefin wax.In still a further embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has akinematic viscosity up to about 200% greater than the kinematicviscosity of the feedstock olefin wax. In yet a further embodiment, thehardened olefin wax composition has a kinematic viscosity up to about150% greater than the kinematic viscosity of the feedstock olefin wax.In even a further embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has akinematic viscosity up to about 100% greater than the kinematicviscosity of the feedstock olefin wax. In even still a furtherembodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has a kinematicviscosity that is substantially unchanged relative to the kinematicviscosity of the feedstock olefin wax. By “substantially unchangedkinematic viscosity” is meant the kinematic viscosity is up to about 30%greater than the kinematic viscosity of the feedstock olefin wax.

Also quantitatively, the hardened olefin wax composition can have a dropmelt point substantially unchanged relative to the drop melt point ofthe feedstock olefin wax. By “substantially unchanged drop melt point”is meant the drop melt point of the hardened olefin wax composition isfrom about 10% less than the drop melt point of the feedstock olefin waxto about 10% greater than the drop melt point of the feedstock olefinwax.

Qualitatively, the hardened olefin wax composition generally retains itswhite color. However, the invention encompasses hardened olefin waxcomposition colors ranging from white to light yellow.

Though the process of preparing the hardened olefin wax compositionhaving a reduced needle penetration relative to the feedstock olefininvolves contacting the feedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containinggas, it has been discovered that conditions used to produce the hardenedolefin wax composition described herein do not always significantlyoxidize the olefin wax. Specifically, the low acid numbers and lowsaponification numbers observed for some embodiments of the hardenedolefin wax composition indicate that a significant portion of thefeedstock olefin wax is not oxidized. Thus, the hardened olefin waxcomposition may alternatively be described in terms of physicalproperties of the feedstock olefin wax which do not change significantlyas a result of the oxygen-containing gas contact step in combinationwith properties of the hardened olefin wax composition properties whichdiffer significantly from the properties of the feedstock olefin wax asa result of the oxygen-containing gas contact step. Examples of thefeedstock olefin wax properties which do not change significantly as aresult of the oxygen-containing gas contact step and which may be usedeither singly or in combination to describe the hardened olefin waxcomposition include feedstock olefin wax average molecular weight,feedstock olefin wax carbon number composition, or feedstock olefin waxolefin composition, among others. Examples of the hardened olefin waxcomposition properties which may differ measurably from the propertiesof the feedstock olefin wax as a result of the oxygen-containing gascontact step and which may be used either singly or in any combinationto describe the hardened olefin wax composition include needlepenetration, viscosity, drop melt point, acid number, and saponificationnumber, among others. Thus, a combination of the feedstock olefin waxproperties that do not change significantly due to contact with theoxygen-containing gas contact step and properties which may differmeasurably due to contact with the oxygen-containing gas may be used todescribe the hardened olefin wax composition. For example, in oneexemplary hardened olefin wax composition, the hardened olefin waxcomposition has an average molecular weight substantially the same asthe feedstock olefin wax and a needle penetration 5 percent less thanthe needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. In a secondnon-limiting example of a hardened olefin wax composition, the hardenedolefin wax composition comprises an olefin wax having an averagemolecular weight from 260 grams/mole to 340 grams/mole and a needlepenetration 30 percent less than the needle penetration of the feedstockolefin wax.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a hardened olefinwax composition having an average olefin molecular weight between 260grams/mole and 340 grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than100 dmm. When referring to hardened olefin wax compositions, the term“average olefin molecular weight” refers to the average molecular weightfor all olefins in the hardened olefin wax composition. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 260 grams/mole and 340 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 90 dmm, alternatively less than 80 dmm,alternatively less than 70 dmm, and alternatively less than 60 dmm.

In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has anaverage olefin molecular weight between 280 grams/mole and 320grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 100 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 280 grams/mole and 320 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 90 dmm, alternatively less than 80 dmm,alternatively less than 70 dmm, and alternatively less than 60 dmm.

In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has anaverage olefin molecular weight between 290 grams/mole and 310grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 100 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 290 grams/mole and 310 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 90 dmm, alternatively less than 80 dmm,alternatively less than 70 dmm, and alternatively less than 60 dmm.

The hardened olefin wax composition may also have an acid number,saponification number, color or combination of these as described above.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a hardened olefinwax composition having an average olefin molecular weight between 330grams/mole and 420 grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than35 dmm. In other embodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition havingan average molecular weight between 330 grams/mole and 420 grams/molehas a needle penetration less than 30 dmm, alternatively less than 25dmm, and alternatively less than 20 dmm.

In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has anaverage olefin molecular weight between 350 grams/mole and 400grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 35 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 350 grams/mole and 400 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 30 dmm, alternatively less than 25 dmm, andalternatively less than 20 dmm.

In another further embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition hasan average olefin molecular weight between 360 grams/mole and 390grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 35 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 360 grams/mole and 390 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 30 dmm, alternatively less than 25 dmm, andalternatively less than 20 dmm.

Independently, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 330 grams/mole and 420 grams per mole can havea kinematic viscosity between about 3 cSt and about 15 cSt; in a furtherembodiment, between about 3.5 cSt and about 12 cSt; in still a furtherembodiment, between about 3.5 cSt and about 8 cSt; in yet a furtherembodiment, between about 3.75 cSt and about 6 cSt. Independently, thehardened olefin wax composition having an average molecular weightbetween 350 grams/mole and 400 grams per mole can have a kinematicviscosity between about 3 cSt and about 15 cSt; in a further embodiment,between about 3.5 cSt and about 12 cSt; in still a further embodiment,between about 3.5 cSt and about 8 cSt; in yet a further embodiment,between about 3.75 cSt and about 6 cSt. Independently, the hardenedolefin wax composition having an average molecular weight between 360grams/mole and 390 grams per mole can have a kinematic viscosity betweenabout 3 cSt and about 15 cSt; in a further embodiment, between about 3.5cSt and about 12 cSt; in still a further embodiment, between about 3.5cSt and about 8 cSt; in yet a further embodiment, between about 3.75 cStand about 6 cSt. Independently, the hardened olefin wax compositionhaving an average molecular weight between 330 grams/mole and 420 gramsper mole, alternatively between 350 grams/mole and 400 grams/mole, andalternatively between 360 grams/mole and 390 grams/mole can have a dropmelt point between about 50° C. and about 70° C. The hardened olefin waxcomposition may also have an acid number, saponification number, coloror any combination of these as described above.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a hardened olefinwax composition having an average olefin molecular weight between 440grams/mole and 550 grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than10 dmm. In other embodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition havingan average molecular weight between 440 grams/mole and 550 grams/molehas a needle pentration less than 9 dmm, alternatively less than 7 dmm,and alternatively less than 5 dmm.

In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has anaverage olefin molecular weight between 460 grams/mole and 530grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 10 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 460 grams/mole and 530 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 9 dmm, alternatively less than 7 dmm, andalternatively less than 5 dmm.

In another embodiment, the hardened olefin wax composition has anaverage olefin molecular weight between 480 grams/mole and 510grams/mole and a needle penetration value less than 10 dmm. In otherembodiments, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 480 grams/mole and 510 grams/mole has a needlepentration less than 9 dmm, alternatively less than 7 dmm, andalternatively less than 5 dmm.

Independently, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 440 grams/mole and 550 grams per mole can havea kinematic viscosity between about 7 cSt and about 35 cSt,alternatively between about 7.5 cSt and about 30 cSt; in still a furtherembodiment, between about 7.5 cSt and about 25 cSt; in yet a furtherembodiment, between about 8 cSt and about 14 cSt. Independently, thehardened olefin wax composition having an average molecular weightbetween 460 grams/mole and 530 grams per mole can have a kinematicviscosity between about 7 cSt and about 35 cSt, alternatively betweenabout 7.5 cSt and about 30 cSt; in still a further embodiment, betweenabout 7.5 cSt and about 25 cSt; in yet a further embodiment, betweenabout 8 cSt and about 14 cSt. Independently, the hardened olefin waxcomposition having an average molecular weight between 480 grams/moleand 510 grams per mole can have a kinematic viscosity between about 7cSt and about 35 cSt, alternatively between about 7.5 cSt and about 30cSt; in still a further embodiment, between about 7.5 cSt and about 25cSt; in yet a further embodiment, between about 8 cSt and about 14 cSt.Independently, the hardened olefin wax composition having an averagemolecular weight between 440 grams/mole and 550 grams per mole,alternatively between 460 grams/mole and 530 grams per mole, andalternatively between 480 grams/mole and 510 grams per mole may have adrop melt point between about 60° C. and about 80° C. The hardenedolefin wax composition may also have an acid number, saponificationnumber, color or any combination of these as described above.

The hardened olefin wax composition of any of the three immediatelyforegoing embodiments can be non-oxidized, as quantified by an acidnumber less than 12 mg KOH/g wax or a saponification number less than 45mg KOH/g wax, as described above. The hardened olefin wax composition ofany of the three immediately foregoing embodiments can comprise an alphaolefin. Further, the hardened olefin wax composition can have an alphaolefin content greater than 50 mole percent. In a further embodiment,the hardened olefin wax composition has an alpha olefin content greaterthan 70 mole percent. In still a further embodiment, the hardened olefinwax composition has an alpha olefin content greater than 80 molepercent. In yet a further embodiment, the hardened olefin waxcomposition has an alpha olefin content greater than 90 mole percent.

A hardened olefin wax composition described herein can be used as acomponent of a polish, coating, candle, paint, ink, hot melt adhesive,investment casting composition, wood additive composition, or waxemulsion. In particular embodiments, the hardened olefin waxcompositions can be used as polishes (such as floor waxes, furniturewaxes, or automobile waxes, among others), coatings (such as textilelubricants or controlled release agents, among others), or inks, amongothers. These lists of uses are neither exhaustive nor limiting.

Oxidized Olefin Wax Compositions

Generally, another aspect of the present invention relates to anoxidized olefin wax composition, produced by a process comprisingcontacting a feedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas at atemperature greater than the melting point of the feedstock olefin. Inan additional embodiment, the present invention relates to an oxidizedolefin wax composition, produced by a process comprising contacting afeedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperaturegreater than the melting point of the feedstock olefin, wherein theoxidized olefin wax has an acid number greater than 1 mg KOH/g oxidizedolefin wax and a kinematic viscosity less than 70 cSt. In an additionalembodiment, the present invention relates to an oxidized olefin waxcomposition, produced by a process comprising contacting a feedstockolefin wax comprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with anoxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than the melting point ofthe feedstock olefin, wherein the oxidized olefin wax has an acid numbergreater than 1 mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax and a kinematic viscosityless than 70 cSt. Additional process steps and oxidized olefin waxcomposition parameters that further describe the invention are providedherein. Additional properties that describe the feedstock olefin waxsubject to the oxidation process steps are also provided herein.

In an embodiment, the acid number of the oxidized olefin wax compositionis greater than 1 mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax. In another embodiment,the acid number of the oxidized olefin wax composition can be between 1mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax composition and 200 mg KOH/g oxidizedolefin wax composition. In a further embodiment, the acid number can bebetween 2 mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax composition and 100 mg KOH/goxidized olefin wax composition. In still a further embodiment, the acidnumber can be between 4 mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax composition and 50mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax composition.

In an embodiment, the kinematic viscosity of the oxidized olefin waxcomposition can be less than 70 cSt. In another embodiment, thekinematic viscosity of the oxidized olefin wax composition can bebetween 2 cSt and 70 cSt. In a further embodiment, the kinematicviscosity of the oxidized olefin wax composition can be between 3 cStand 50 cSt. In still a further embodiment, the kinematic viscosity ofthe oxidized olefin wax composition can be between 5 cSt and 25 cSt.

In one embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration value between 400 percent greater than and 75 percent lessthan the needle penetration value of the feedstock olefin wax. In afurther embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration from about 0 percent greater to about 400 percent greaterthan the needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. In yet afurther embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration from about 0 percent greater to about 300 percent greaterthan the needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. In still afurther embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration from about 0 percent greater to about 200 percent greaterthan the needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax. In even afurther embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a needlepenetration from about 0 percent greater to about 100 percent greaterthan the needle penetration of the feedstock olefin wax.

Independently, in a further embodiment, the oxidized olefin waxcomposition can have a needle penetration value at least 5% less thanthe needle penetration value of the feedstock olefin wax. In yet afurther embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition can have aneedle penetration value at least 10% less than the needle penetrationvalue of the feedstock olefin wax. In still a further embodiment, theoxidized olefin wax composition can have a needle penetration value atleast 20% less than the needle penetration value of the feedstock olefinwax. In even a further embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax compositioncan have a needle penetration value at least 30% less than the needlepenetration value of the feedstock olefin wax. In even yet a furtherembodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition can have a needlepenetration value at least 40% less than the needle penetration value ofthe feedstock olefin wax. In even still a further embodiment, theoxidized olefin wax composition can have a needle penetration value atleast 50% less than the needle penetration value of the feedstock olefinwax.

In one embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition has a drop meltpoint that is substantially unchanged from that of the feedstock olefinwax.

The oxidized olefin wax compositions of the present invention can beused in applications similar to those described above. In light of thepresent disclosure of the properties of the olefin waxes and oxidizedolefin wax compositions of the present invention, the skilled artisancan routinely determine which wax may be suitable or desirable for aparticular use.

Hardened Olefin Wax Compositions—Method for Producing

Generally, the hardened olefin wax compositions are produced bycontacting a feedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas.Additional process parameters which may be used to define the process toproduce the hardened olefin wax compositions may include the oxygencontent of the oxygen-containing gas, the temperature at which thefeedstock olefin wax and oxygen-containing gas are contacted, the timefor which the oxygen-containing gas and the feedstock olefin wax arecontacted, and whether or not the feedstock wax is mixed, stirred, oragitated during contact with the oxygen-containing gas. Theindependently variable process parameters and hardened olefin waxcomposition properties provided herein may be used to further describethe invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process to producea hardened olefin wax composition comprising contacting a feedstockolefin wax comprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with anoxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than the feedstock olefinwax melting point. In another embodiment, the present invention relatesto a process to produce a hardened olefin wax composition, comprisingcontacting a feedstock olefin wax comprising an olefin having at least20 carbon atoms with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature greaterthan the feedstock olefin wax melting point, to produce a hardenedolefin wax composition, wherein the hardened olefin wax composition hasa needle penetration value at 25° C. at least 5 percent less than theneedle penetration value at 25° C. of the feedstock olefin wax. Thedescription of the feedstock olefin wax and hardened olefin waxcomposition are described herein and are generally applicable to theprocess of producing the hardened olefin wax compositions of thisembodiment. Details regarding the contacting step and process conditionsthat are generally applicable to the process of producing the hardenedolefin wax composition are described below.

The oxygen-containing gas may be any gas containing oxygen. Theoxygen-containing gas can be oxygen, oxygen diluted with an inert gas,air, or air diluted with an inert gas, among others. Nitrogen and noblegases may be referred to herein as “inert gases.” Exemplary mixtures ofoxygen diluted with an inert gas or gases include, but are not limitedto, mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen, mixtures of oxygen and argon,mixtures of oxygen and other noble gases, or mixtures of oxygen,nitrogen, and argon, among others. In one embodiment, all gases otherthan oxygen in the mixture are selected from nitrogen or noble gases.

In one embodiment, the oxygen-containing gas can comprise less than 50percent oxygen. In a further embodiment, the oxygen-containing gas cancomprise less than 22 percent oxygen. In another embodiment, theoxygen-containing gas is air.

The contacting of the feedstock olefin and the oxygen-containing gas caninvolve any technique known to the skilled artisan. Such techniques caninclude, but are not limited to, sparging the gas through the melted wax(with or without mixing, stirring, or other agitation of the melted wax)or providing the gas to the surface of the melted wax with or withoutmixing, stirring, or other agitation of the melted wax, among others.

The contacting step can be conducted at any air flow rate and durationcapable of producing the hardened olefin wax compositions describedherein.

In an embodiment, the contacting step for producing the hardened olefinwax composition comprises contacting air with the feedstock olefin waxat an air flow rate greater than 0.1 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax. In afurther embodiment, the air flow rate is between 0.1 CFH/kg feedstockolefin wax and 15 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax. In a further embodiment,the air flow rate is between 0.25 CFH/kg olefin wax and 15 CFH/kg olefinwax. In a further embodiment, the air flow rate is between 0.5 CFH/kgolefin wax and 10 CFH/kg olefin wax. In a further embodiment, the airflow rate is between 0.75 CFH/kg olefin wax and 8 CFH/kg olefin wax. Ina further embodiment, the air flow rate is between 1.0 CFH/kg olefin waxand 5 CFH/kg olefin wax.

In an embodiment, the contacting step for producing the hardened olefinwax composition can have a duration greater than about 1 minute. In afurther embodiment, the contacting step can have a duration betweenabout 1 minute and 12 hours. In a further embodiment, the contactingstep can have a duration between about 1 minute and 8 hours. In afurther embodiment, the contacting step can have a duration betweenabout 1 minute and 4 hours. In a further embodiment, the contacting stepcan have a duration between about 1 minute and 2 hours. In a furtherembodiment, the contacting step can have a duration between about 1minute and 1 hour.

In other embodiments, the melted feedstock olefin wax and theoxygen-containing gas can be mixed, stirred, or agitated to increase theintimacy of contact therebetween.

In a separate embodiment, the contacting step for producing the hardenedolefin wax composition is conducted at low air flows. In one low airflow embodiment, the contacting step for producing the hardened olefinwax composition comprises contacting air with the feedstock olefin waxat an air flow rate less than 0.1 cubic feet per hour (CFH)/kg feedstockolefin wax and without substantial agitation of the feedstock olefinwax. In this low airflow embodiment, the contacting step can have aduration greater than about 1 day. In a further embodiment, thecontacting step can have a duration between about 1 day and about 60days. In a further embodiment, the contacting step can have a durationbetween about 2 days and about 45 days. In a further embodiment, thecontacting step can have a duration between about 3 days and about 30days.

The contacting step for producing the hardened olefin wax compositioncan be conducted at a temperature greater than the feedstock olefin waxmelting point. In one embodiment, the feedstock olefin wax and theoxygen-containing gas are contacted at a temperature between the meltingpoint of the feedstock olefin wax and 300° C. In a further embodiment,the feedstock olefin wax and the oxygen-containing gas are contacted ata temperature between about 80° C. and 300° C. In a further embodiment,the feedstock olefin wax and the oxygen-containing gas are contacted ata temperature between about 100° C. and 250° C. In a further embodiment,the feedstock olefin wax and the oxygen-containing gas are contacted ata temperature between about 180° C. and 230° C. In a further embodiment,the feedstock olefin wax and the oxygen-containing gas are contacted ata temperature between about 200° C. and 220° C.

The contacting step can be performed in the presence or absence of acatalyst. In some embodiments the contacting step is performed in theabsence of an added catalyst. In other embodiments, the contacting stepcan be performed in the presence of a catalyst. In the catalyticembodiment the catalyst may comprise manganese or cobalt, among others.

This process is generally capable of producing a hardened olefin waxcomposition having a having a needle penetration lower than that of thefeedstock olefin. Additionally, the hardened olefin wax composition canhave additional properties selected from the group consisting of lowacid numbers, low saponification numbers, substantially unchanged toslightly higher relative kinematic viscosities, and substantiallyunchanged relative drop melt points, and combinations thereof asdescribed herein.

After production of the hardened olefin wax composition, the process canfurther comprise storing the hardened olefin wax composition under aninert gas (i.e., nitrogen, a noble gas, or a mixture thereof). In oneembodiment, the inert gas is nitrogen.

After production of the hardened olefin wax composition, the process canfurther comprise combining the hardened olefin wax composition with atleast one antioxidant. Exemplary antioxidants include, but are notlimited to, 2,6-di(t-butyl)-4-methylphenol (BHT), BHT derivatives,alkylated diphenylamine, alkylated diphenylamine derivatives,N-Phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-Phenyl-1-naphthylamine derivatives,1,2,3,4,-tetrahydroxybenzene (THB), Irganox 1010, and Irganox 1076. Theantioxidant can be incorporated into the hardened olefin wax compositionat a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 2,500 ppm.

Oxidized Olefin Wax Compositions—Method for Producing

Generally, the oxidized olefin wax compositions are produced bycontacting a feedstock olefin wax with an oxygen-containing gas.Additional process parameters which may be used to define the process toproduce the oxidized olefin wax compositions may include the oxygencontent of the oxygen-containing gas, the temperature at which thefeedstock olefin wax and oxygen-containing gas are contacted, the timefor which the oxygen-containing gas and the feedstock olefin wax arecontacted, and whether or not the feedstock wax is mixed, stirred, oragitated during contact with the oxygen-containing gas. Theseindependently variable process parameters are further described herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process to oxidizean olefin wax, comprising contacting a feedstock olefin wax comprisingan olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with an oxygen-containing gasat a temperature greater than that of the feedstock olefin wax meltingpoint. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a processto oxidize an olefin wax, comprising contacting a feedstock olefin waxcomprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms with anoxygen-containing gas at a temperature greater than that of thefeedstock olefin wax melting point, to prepare an oxidized olefin waxcomposition wherein the oxidized olefin wax composition has an acidnumber greater than 1 mg KOH/g oxidized olefin wax and a kinematicviscosity at 100° C. less than 70 cSt. The feedstock olefin wax andoxidized olefin wax composition properties are described herein and aregenerally applicable to the process to produce the oxidized olefin waxcompositions. Process parameters such as the applicableoxygen-containing gases, contact modes (agitation methods), and presenceor absence of catalyst are generally similar as those discuses in theprocess for producing the hardened olefin waxes. However, the contactingstep temperature and airflow rates for the process to produce theoxidized olefin wax compositions differ from the contacting steptemperature and airflow rates to produce the hardened olefin waxcompositions, and those differences are set forth below.

The temperature of the contacting step to produce the oxidized olefinwax composition can be between the feedstock olefin wax melting pointand 300° C. In a further embodiment, the contacting step can beperformed at a temperature between about 80° C. and about 300° C. In afurther embodiment, the contacting step can be performed at atemperature between about 80° C. and about 200° C. In a furtherembodiment, the contacting step can be performed at a temperaturebetween about 90° C. and about 180° C. In a further embodiment, thecontacting step can be performed at a temperature between about 100° C.and about 160° C. In a further embodiment, the contacting step can beperformed at a temperature between about 110° C. and about 150° C.

In another embodiment, the contacting step for producing the oxidizedolefin wax composition comprises contacting air with the feedstockolefin wax at an air flow rate greater than 0.1 CFH/kg feedstock olefinwax. In a further embodiment, the air flow rate is between 0.1 CFH/kgfeedstock olefin wax and 30 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax. In a furtherembodiment, the air flow rate is between 0.5 CFH/kg feedstock olefin waxand 20 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax. In a further embodiment, the airflow rate is between 1.0 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax and 15 CFH/kgfeedstock olefin wax. In a further embodiment, the air flow rate isbetween 1.5 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax and 12 CFH/kg feedstock olefinwax. In a further embodiment, the air flow rate is between 2 CFH/kgfeedstock olefin wax and 10 CFH/kg feedstock olefin wax.

In an embodiment, the contacting step for the process for producing anoxidized olefin wax composition can have a duration between 1 minute and48 hours. In a further embodiment, the duration is between 2 hours and30 hours. In a further embodiment, the duration is between 4 hours and24 hours.

In a separate embodiment, the contacting step for producing the oxidizedolefin wax composition is performed at a low air flow. In this low flowembodiment, the contacting step comprises contacting air with thefeedstock olefin wax at an air flow rate less than 0.1 CFH/kg feedstockolefin wax and without substantial agitation of the feedstock olefinwax. In this embodiment, the duration of the contacting step can begreater than 1 day.

The contacting step yields an oxidized olefin wax composition, which mayfurther comprise other compounds, such as volatile compounds. In oneembodiment, the process can further comprise removing volatile compoundsfrom the oxidized olefin wax composition by one or more of vacuum, heat,nitrogen sparging, or contacting with activated charcoal, clay, alumina,or two or more thereof.

Specifically, the oxidized olefin wax composition can be devolatilizedby transfer to an appropriate vessel and connecting the vessel to avacuum apparatus, such as a Kugelrohr rotovap apparatus consisting anair oven, a vacuum pump, and a rotating mechanism to effect a thin filmevaporation function (manufactured by Barnstead International anddistributed by Aldrich, Model No. Z40-115-3). The volatiles can bestripped off by a combination of vacuum (less than 5 mmHg) and heat,such as maintaining the oven temperature from about 140° C. to about220° C. for a duration from about 1 hr to about 12 hr, such as 3 hr.

In one embodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition may bedevolatilized by applying a vacuum to a vessel comprising the oxidizedolefin wax composition. In another embodiment, the oxidized olefin waxcomposition may be devolatilized by applying a vacuum and heat to avessel comprising the oxidized olefin wax composition. In still anotherembodiment, the oxidized olefin wax composition is mixed, stirred, oragitated during the vacuum devolatilization step. In yet anotherembodiment, a sparging gas is passed through the oxidized olefin waxcomposition during the vacuum devolatilization step. The sparging gascan be an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, or combinations thereof. Inyet another embodiment, the vacuum devolatilization step may beperformed using a wiped film evaporator. Two or more of heat, agitation,sparging, and wiped film evaporation can be applied during vacuumdevolatilization.

The oxidized olefin wax composition has been described above. The acidnumber and kinematic viscosity of the oxidized olefin wax compositioncan be as described above.

The Feedstock Olefin Wax

The olefin wax or the feedstock olefin wax can be any compositioncomprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms. Generally, anolefin is a hydrocarbon with at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Insome embodiments, the olefin wax comprises an alpha olefin. An alphaolefin is a hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond at the terminalposition. In other embodiments the olefin wax comprises an internalolefin. In other embodiments the olefin wax comprises linear internalolefins. In yet other embodiments the olefin wax or feedstock olefin waxcomprises a normal alpha olefin. A normal alpha olefin is an alphaolefin having a straight chain of carbon atoms (i.e. no carbon chainbranches) and a carbon-carbon double bond at the terminal position.Additional criteria which may be independently applied, either singly orin any combination, to the olefin wax or the feedstock olefin waxinclude the olefin wax average molecular weight, olefin wax carbonnumber composition, alpha olefin content, internal olefin content,linear internal olefin content, vinylidene olefin content, needlepenetration, drop melt point, and viscosity, among others, are discussedbelow.

The olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax may comprise one or more olefins,as described above. In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstockolefin wax comprises greater than 30 mole % olefins having at least 20carbon atoms. In a further embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greaterthan 45 mole % olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. In yet a furtherembodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than 60 mole % olefinshaving at least 20 carbon atoms. In still a further embodiment, theolefin wax comprises greater than 75 mole % olefins having at least 20carbon atoms. In even a further embodiment, the olefin wax comprisesgreater than 90 mole % olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. In evenstill a further embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than 95mole % olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms.

The olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax mole percent olefin compositionsare not limited to olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. The olefinmole % values of the compositions may also be applied to the olefin waxand feedstock olefin wax embodiments having other average molecularweight ranges as described herein.

In some embodiments, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesalpha olefins. In one embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than30 mole % alpha olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. In a furtherembodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than 45 mole % alphaolefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. In yet a further embodiment,the olefin wax comprises greater than 60 mole % alpha olefins having atleast 20 carbon atoms. In still a further embodiment, the olefin waxcomprises greater than 75 mole % alpha olefins having at least 20 carbonatoms. In even a further embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greaterthan 90 mole % alpha olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. In evenstill a further embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than 95mole % alpha olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms.

The olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax alpha olefin compositions are notlimited to olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms. The alpha olefinmole % values of the the compositions may also be applied to the olefinwax and feedstock olefin wax embodiments having other carbon numberranges and average molecular weight ranges as described herein.

The olefin wax composition comprises olefins and/or alpha olefins withcarbon number distributions, alpha olefin contents, molecular weightdistributions, and needle penetration values as described herein.

In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 70 wt % olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax comprises greater than 80 wt %olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms. In still a furtherembodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprises greaterthan 85 wt % percent olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms. In yet afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 90 wt % olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms. In stilla further embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 95 wt % olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 50 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 60 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 70 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms. In yet afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 80 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms. In stilla further embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 90 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 50 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 60 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 70 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms. In yet afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 80 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms. In stilla further embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 90 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 70 wt % olefins having at least 30 carbon atoms. In afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 80 wt % olefins having at least 30 carbon atoms. In still afurther embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesgreater than 85 wt % percent olefins having from at least 30 carbonatoms. In yet a further embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefinwax comprises greater than 90 wt % olefins having at least 30 carbonatoms. In still a further embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefinwax comprises greater than 95 wt % olefins having at least 30 carbonatoms.

Alternatively, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax may be describedas an olefin wax having a particular average molecular weight of theolefin components thereof. In some embodiments, the olefin wax orfeedstock olefin wax has an average olefin molecular weight greater than260 grams/mole. In yet another embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstockolefin wax has an average olefin molecular weight greater than 330grams/mole. In yet another embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstockolefin wax has an average olefin molecular weight greater than 400grams/mole. In other embodiments, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin waxhas an average olefin molecular weight between 260 grams/mole and 340grams/mole; alternatively, between 280 grams/mole and 320 grams/mole;alternatively, between 290 grams/mole and 310 grams/mole. In anotherembodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax has an average olefinmolecular weight between 330 grams/mole and 420 grams/mole;alternatively, between 350 grams/mole and 400 grams/mole; alternatively,between 360 grams/mole and 390 grams/mole. In yet another embodiment,the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax has an average olefin molecularweight between 440 grams/mole and 550 grams/mole; alternatively, between460 grams/mole and 530 grams/mole; alternatively, between 480 grams/moleand 510 grams/mole.

Commercially available olefin waxes commonly contain a number of alphaolefins having at least about 20 carbon atoms, alpha olefins having atleast about 20 carbon atoms, as well as other compounds (smaller alphaolefins, smaller normal alpha olefins, internal olefins, vinylidene, orothers). For example, Alpha Olefin C₂₀₋₂₄ (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP, The Woodlands, Tex.) comprises from about 35-55 wt % C₂₀olefin, about 25-45 wt % C₂₂ olefin, about 10-26 wt % C₂₄ olefin, about3 wt % olefins smaller than C₂₀, and about 2 wt % olefins larger thanC₂₄. Alpha Olefin C₂₀₋₂₄ is an exemplary olefin wax within thedefinition “comprising an olefin having at least 20 carbon atoms” asused herein. The invention is not limited to this or any otherparticular commercially-available olefin wax. Also, an olefin waxconsisting essentially of an olefin having 20 carbon atoms (or anotherolefin having a particular number of carbon atoms greater than 20) canalso be used in the present invention.

In one embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprises anolefin having from about 20 carbon atoms to about 24 carbon atoms. Inanother embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprises anolefin having from about 26 carbon atoms to about 28 carbon atoms. Inyet another embodiment the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesan olefin having from about 26 to about 28 carbon atoms. In anadditional embodiment, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisesan olefin having at least 30 carbon atoms.

Commercially available olefin waxes may further comprise vinylidene orinternal olefins, up to as much as about 40-50 wt % of the wax. In oneembodiment, and regardless of the number of carbons in the olefin, theolefin wax is a high alpha (HA) AO wax. By “HA wax” is meant a waxcomprising (a) one or more alpha olefins and (b) less than about 20 wt %vinylidene or internal olefins.

Independently, commercially available olefin waxes may further comprisenon-olefin hydrocarbons, such as paraffins (hydrocarbons wherein allbonds between carbon atoms are single bonds). Other components known inthe art to acceptably be present in olefin waxes can be present as well.

Known olefin waxes include olefin streams from ethylene oligomerization,cracked heavy waxes (e.g. Fischer-Tropsch waxes), and mixtures ofparaffins and olefins, among others.

In some embodiments, the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax comprisescommercially available normal alpha olefin waxes. In other embodiments,the olefin wax or feedstock olefin wax consists essentially ofcommercially available normal alpha olefin waxes. One source ofcommercially available alpha olefin waxes is Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP, The Woodlands, Tex. The following are published physical andchemical characteristics of the normal alpha olefin waxes Alpha OlefinC₂₀₋₂₄ Alpha Olefin C₂₄₋₂₈, Alpha Olefin C₂₆₋₂₈, Alpha Olefin C₃₀₊, andAlpha Olefin C_(30+HA), which are provided for illustrative purposes asexemplary feedstock olefin waxes. The invention is not limited to theseparticular feedstock olefin waxes.

Typical Value (Typical Range) Characteristic C₂₀₋₂₄ C₂₄₋₂₈ C₂₆₋₂₈ C₃₀₊C_(30+HA) Drop melt point, ° F.  96 143 125 162 159 (ASTM D 127) (ASTM D87) (140-158) (122-130) (154-174) (150-164) Oil content 3.7 3.8 1.50 1.5(MEK extraction), % (3.0-5.1) (3.2-5.3) (1.0-2.0) (1.2-3.0) NeedlePenetration @ 150 59 48 13 15.5 77° F., dmm (48-70) (40-60) (11-17)(12-18) Needle Penetration @ 24 32 100° F., dmm (18-30) (24-44) NeedlePenetration @ 34 40 110° F., dmm (25-50) (30-56) Flash Point 362° F.425° F. 417° F. 485° F. 432° F. (ASTM D 93) (183° C.) (218° C.) (214°C.) (252° C.) (222° C.) Saybolt Color 30 25 30 20+ 20+ KinematicViscosity @ 2.0 3.5 3.4 6.5 6.4 100° C., cSt (1.8-2.2) (3.2-4.0)(3.2-3.6)  (5.0-10.0) (5.0-9.0)

Typical Value (Typical Range) Characteristic C₂₀₋₂₄ C₂₄₋₂₈ C₂₆₋₂₈ C₃₀₊C_(30+HA) % Alpha olefins 86 54 79 62 76 (¹H-NMR) (83-92) (40-60)(70-82) (50-65) (70-81)

Typical Value (Typical Range) Characteristic C₂₀₋₂₄ C₂₄₋₂₈ C₂₆₋₂₈ C₃₀₊C_(30+HA) % Vinylidenes 8 30 16 30 18 (¹H-NMR) (6-15) (25-55) (11-17)(25-45) (15-25) % Internal olefins 3 18 3 10 5.3 (¹H-NMR) (2-5)  (10-22)(2-8)  (5-20)  (4-10) Drop melt point, ° F. 96* 154 125 164 150 (ASTM D127) Oil content 4.60 5.00 1.50 1.5 (MEK extraction), % NeedlePenetration @ 150 59 48 13 15.5 77° F., dmm Needle Penetration @ 24 32100° F., dmm Needle Penetration @ 34 40 110° F., dmm Flash Point 362° F.425° F. 417° F. 485° F. 432° F. (ASTM D 93) (183° C.) (218° C.) (214°C.) (252° C.) (222° C.) Saybolt Color 30 25 30 20+ 20+

The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodimentsof the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the artthat the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow representtechniques discovered by the inventors to function well in the practiceof the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, in light ofthe present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in thespecific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like orsimilar result without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Examples 1-8 relate to hardened olefin waxes.

EXAMPLE 1

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to220° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. A stream of air was thenintroduced below the wax liquid at 1 CFH. The reaction was maintained at220° C. for 30 min. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. andwere discharged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 1 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 134 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <1 <1 AcidNumber, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <1 <1 Melt Viscosity at 100° C., cSt (ASTMD 445) 7.3 8.3 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 72

EXAMPLE 2

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to220° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. A stream of air was thenintroduced below the wax liquid at 1 CFH. The reaction was maintained at220° C. for 1 hour. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. andwere discharged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 2 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 133 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 3.5Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 1.4 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7.3 10.5 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 73

EXAMPLE 3

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to220° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. A stream of air was thenintroduced below the wax liquid at 1 CFH. The reaction was maintained at220° C. for 30 min. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. andwere discharged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 3 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 146.5 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 0.7Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 1.0 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 11 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 70

EXAMPLE 4

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C26/28 (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to220° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. A stream of air was thenintroduced below the wax liquid at 1 CFH. The reaction was maintained at220° C. for 15 min. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. andwere discharged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 4 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 4523 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 <0.5Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 <0.2 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 3.4 4 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 52 52

EXAMPLE 5

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, and a side armconnected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to 220° C. and theagitation was set at 100 rpm. A stream of air was then introduced abovethe surface of wax liquid at 4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 220°C. for 3 hour. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 5 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 134 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 <0.5Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 <0.2 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7.3 11.9 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 74

EXAMPLE 6

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, and a side armconnected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to 220° C. and theagitation was set at 100 rpm. A stream of air was then introduced abovethe surface of wax liquid at 4 cubic feet per hour. The reaction wasmaintained at 220° C. for 4 hour. The contents were allowed to cool to100° C. and were discharged. The resulting material appeared as a whitesolid.

Properties Control Example 6 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 145 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 <0.5Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 0.3 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 13.7 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 69

EXAMPLE 7

200 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) in a 500 ml beaker was placed in an oven (Constant Temperature Oven,Model D-K 63, Baxter) with oven-temperature set at 120° C. The waxcontents were allowed to stay in the oven for 20 days in the presence ofair. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and were discharged.The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 7 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 134 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 3.0Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 2.5 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7.3 10.6 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 75

EXAMPLE 8

200 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) in a 500 ml beaker was placed in an oven (ConstantTemperature Oven, Model D-K 63, Baxter) with oven-temperature set at120° C. The wax contents were allowed to stay in the oven for 20 days inthe presence of air. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. andwere discharged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 8 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 146 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <0.5 <0.5Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 1.8 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 10.7 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 69

Examples 1-8 report the unexpected result that hardened AO waxes withrelatively low viscosity can be produced by treatments that are eitherrelatively high temperature and short duration (Examples 1-6) orrelatively low temperature, very long duration, and very low air flowrate (contact with a headspace of air) (Examples 7-8).

Examples 9-16 relate to oxidized olefin waxes.

EXAMPLE 9

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to130° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 1.7 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 130° C.for 24 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white to light yellowsolid.

Properties Control Example 9 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm 136 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 94) <1 45 AcidNumber, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <1 15 Melt Viscosity at 100° C., cSt (ASTMD 445) 7.3 16.6 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 74

EXAMPLE 10

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to130° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 1.7 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 130° C.for 24 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white to light yellowsolid.

Properties Control Example 10 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm14 13 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 50 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 17 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 13.3 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 71

EXAMPLE 11

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 8 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 11 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm13 12 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 97 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 37 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7.3 25 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 74

EXAMPLE 12

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 8 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 12 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm14 14 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 68 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 28 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 22.8 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 70

EXAMPLE 13

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C26/28 (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 8 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 13 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm45 33 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 91 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 40 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 3.4 15.5 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 51 60

EXAMPLE 14

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+ (Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyLP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with a heatingmantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 24 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a yellow solid.

Properties Control Example 14 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm13 20 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 150 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 46 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7.3 70.5 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 77 70

EXAMPLE 15

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C30+HA (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 24 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 15 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm14 14 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 136 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 44 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 7 65.9 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 71 68

EXAMPLE 16

500 g of normal alpha olefin wax C26/28 (Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany LP) was placed into a four-neck flask, which was equipped with aheating mantle, a thermocouple, a single blade agitator, an air sparger(cylindrical, 1″ in length and ⅜″ in diameter, average pore size 15 μm),and a side arm connected to a receiving flask. The wax was heated to145° C. and the agitation was set at 400 rpm. Then a steady stream ofair was introduced at 3.4 CFH. The reaction was maintained at 145° C.for 24 hours. The contents were allowed to cool to 100° C. and weredischarged. The resulting material appeared as a white solid.

Properties Control Example 16 Needle Penetration Number at 25° C., dmm45 55 (ASTM D 1321) Saponification Number, mg KOH/g <0.5 177 (ASTM D 94)Acid Number, mg KOH/g (ASTM D 974) <0.2 40 Melt Viscosity at 100° C.,cSt (ASTM D 445) 3.4 56.3 Drop Melting Point, ° C. (ASTM D 127) 51 55

EXAMPLES 17-20

Mixtures of an alpha olefin wax and an additive, having the proportionsindicated in the table below, were each placed in an oven andoccasionally agitated to obtain a clear solution. The samples wereallowed to cool to room temperature to provide a solid wax mixture. Thesamples were then tested for needle penetration and viscosity. Needlepenetrations, at 25° C., for the mixtures were measured using ASTMD1321. Drop melt points for the mixtures were measured using ASTM D 127.

Needle Drop Melt Wax Additive Penetration Point Example (wt. %) (wt. %)(dmm) (° C.) 17 CPChem Alpha Olefin — 16.5 dmm 71 (Control) 30 + HA (100wt. %)

Needle Drop Melt Wax Additive Penetration Point Example (wt. %) (wt. %)(dmm) (° C.) 18 CPChem Alpha Olefin Stearic Acid 21.5 dmm 71 30 + HA (90wt. %) (10 wt. %) 19 CPChem Alpha Olefin Polyanhydride 24-28 23.5 dmm 6930 + HA (90 wt. %) (10 wt. %) 20 CPChem Alpha OlefinEthylene-bis-stearamide   10 dmm >100    30 + HA (90 wt. %) (10 wt. %)

EXAMPLE 21-26

Mixtures of an alpha olefin wax and ethylene-bis-stearamide (EBSA, 98%,from Aldrich), having the proportions indicated in the table below, wereeach placed in a beaker and heated in an oven at 140° C. A clearsolution was obtained in half hour from occasional agitation with astirring rod. The samples were allowed to cool to room temperaturegiving a white solid. The samples were then tested for needlepenetration and kinematic viscosity. Needle penetrations, at 25° C., forthe mixtures were measured using ASTM D1321. Kinematic viscosities forthe mixtures were measured using ASTM D 445.

Ethylene-bis- Needle Viscosity Example Wax (wt. %) stearamidePenetration (Temperature) 21 CPChem Alpha Olefin 26-28 — 44 dmm 3.5(100° C.) (Control) (100 wt. %) 22 CPChem Alpha Olefin 26-28 2 wt. % 32dmm 2.2 (140° C.) (98 wt. %) 23 CPChem Alpha Olefin 26-28 5 wt. % 30 dmm2.3 (140° C.) (95 wt. %) 24 CPChem Alpha Olefin 30+ — 14 dmm 7.0 (100°C.) (Control) (100 wt. %) 25 CPChem Alpha Olefin 30+ 2 wt. % 12 dmm 4.2(140° C.) (98 wt. %) 26 CPChem Alpha Olefin 30+ 5 wt. % 12 dmm 4.1 (140°C.) (95 wt. %)

EXAMPLE 27

Mixtures of alpha olefin waxes and ethylene-bis-stearamide, having thecompositions indicated in the table below, were prepared using a similarprocedure as used in Examples 21-26. The samples were then tested forneedle penetration and viscosity. Needle penetrations, at 25° C., forthe mixtures were measured using ASTM D1321. Drop melt points for themixtures were measured using ASTM D 127.

CPChem Alpha CPChem Alpha CPChem Alpha CPChem Alpha Olefin 20-24 Olefin26-28 Olefin 30+ HA Olefin 30+ Drop Drop Drop Drop Ethylene-Bis- NeedleMelt Needle Melt Needle Melt Needle Melt Stearamide Penetration PointPenetration Point Penetration Point Penetration Point (wt. %) (dmm) (°C.) (dmm) (° C.) (dmm) (° C.) (dmm) (° C.) 0 wt. % 160.5 35.6 48.5 50.616.5 70.6 12 77.2 (Control) 1 108 66 34.5 97 11.5 99 8.5 99 2 91 78 28.599 12.5 107 6 102 5 81.5 78 26.5 110 9.5 114 — 113 10  85 111 29.5 11710 121 5.5 120

All of the compositions and methods disclosed and claimed herein can bemade and executed without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to thecompositions and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps ofthe methods described herein without departing from the concept, spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An additive-hardened olefin wax composition, comprising: (a) anolefin wax composition; and (b) at least one additive; wherein theolefin wax composition comprises an alpha olefin wax comprising greaterthan 30 mole % alpha olefins having at least 20 carbon atoms; andwherein the additive comprises a moiety selected from an amide, animide, or a mixture thereof.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein theadditive-hardened olefin wax composition has a lower needle penetrationvalue at 25° C. than the olefin wax composition.
 3. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the alpha olefin wax comprises greater than 70 weightpercent olefins having from 20 to 24 carbon atoms.
 4. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the alpha olefin wax comprises greater than 50 weightpercent olefins having from 26 to 28 carbon atoms.
 5. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the alpha olefin wax comprises greater than 50 weightpercent olefin having from 24 to 28 carbon atoms.
 6. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the alpha olefin wax comprises greater than 70 weightpercent olefins having at least 30 carbon atoms.
 7. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the additive is ethylene-bis-stearamide.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises less than 10weight percent of the additive-hardened olefin wax composition.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein a needle penetration value at 25° C. ofthe additive-hardened olefin wax composition is at least 5 percent lessthan a needle penetration value at 25° C. of the olefin wax composition.10. A polish, coating composition, candle, paint, ink, hot meltadhesive, investment casting composition, wood additive composition, orwax emulsion comprising the additive-hardened olefin wax composition ofclaim
 1. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein a drop melt point ofthe additive-hardened olefin wax composition is at least 25 percentgreater than the drop melt point of the olefin wax.
 12. The compositionof claim 1, wherein a needle penetration value at 25° C. of theadditive-hardened olefin wax composition is at least 30 percent lessthan a needle penetration value at 25° C. of the olefin wax compositionand a drop melt point of the additive-hardened olefin wax is at least 25percent greater than the drop melt point of the olefin wax.
 13. Anadditive-hardened olefin wax composition, comprising: (a) an olefin waxcomposition, and (b) at least one additive; wherein the olefin waxcomposition comprises; i) greater than 70 wt % olefins having at least20 carbon atoms, and ii) greater than 45 mole % alpha olefins having atleast 20 carbon atoms; and wherein the at least one additive comprises amoiety selected from an amide, an imide, or a mixture thereof.
 14. Thecomposition of claim 13, wherein the at least one additive comprisesless than 10 weight percent of the additive-hardened olefin waxcomposition.
 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the at least oneadditive comprises an ethylene-bis-amide, ethylene-bis-imide, ormixtures thereof.
 16. The composition of claim 14, wherein the olefinwax comprises: (a) greater than 90 wt % olefins having from 20 to 24carbon atoms and greater than 75 mole % alpha olefins having from 20 to24 carbon atoms; (b) greater than 70 wt % olefins having from 24 to 28carbon atoms and greater than 45 mole % alpha olefins having from 24 to28 carbon atoms; (c) greater than 90 wt % olefins having from 26 to 28carbon atoms and greater than 75 mole % alpha olefins having from 26 to28 carbon atoms; (d) greater than 80 wt % olefins having at least 30carbon atoms and greater than 45 mole % alpha olefins having at least 30carbon atoms; or (e) greater than 85 wt % olefins having at least 30carbon atoms and greater than 75 mole % alpha olefins at least 30 carbonatoms.
 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein a needle penetrationvalue at 25° C. of the additive-hardened olefin wax composition is atleast 30% less than a needle penetration value at 25° C. of the olefinwax composition.
 18. The composition of claim 17, wherein a drop meltpoint of the additive-hardened olefin wax is at least 25 percent greaterthan the drop melt point of the olefin wax.
 19. the composition of claim18, wherein the at least one additive comprises ethylene-bis-steramide.20. The composition of claim 16, wherein a drop melt point of theadditive-hardened olefin wax is at least 25 percent greater than a dropmelt point of the olefin wax.